IEC 61499 defines a high-level system design language for distributed information and control. It allows encapsulation of functionality, graphical component-based design, event-driven execution and distribution of automation applications for execution across automation and control, as well as edge computing devices.

IT architectures need to play a vital role in IIoT system architectures, with gateways evolving to provide more flexible, innovative and efficient software solutions. A key question is how network solutions can be deployed to exploit software, IT and innovative algorithms and make production more efficient.

The rapid development of 10BASE-T1L components is enabling industrial equipment manufacturers to start developing new Industrial Ethernet-enabled products. The technology looks set to supplant the 4 mA to 20 mA and HART interfaces, and accelerate the adoption of Industry 4.0.

Learn how machine builders and machine users are improving productivity and more. The emergence and continually increasing utility of Ethernet connectivity is opening up new opportunities for creating more productive and more reliable workflows in industrial environments of all kinds.

The march toward converging IT and OT functions on a single Ethernet network is inevitable for companies to maximize the benefits of Ethernet connectivity while also optimizing the efficiency of networks. The process promises to be challenging but hopefully will also result in a smooth, mutually beneficial effort.

Field level communications (FLC) activities focusing on making OPC UA suitable for the field are in full swing. A step forward will be made if devices developed for OT can communicate in one language with OPC UA, and at the same time be based on real-time capable Ethernet hardware with…

IoT applications require real-time response, but deploying the compute and storage resources for IoT in the cloud may not support IoT because of network latency. The solution to lowering latency is to move those resources closer to the IoT sensors that are providing the data, or expecting a real-time response.

Use of a gateway along with OPC UA and MQTT, can provide access to S7 controller machine tool data. This allows important spindle and axis data, such as torque and power consumption, to be read out, processed and become available for condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data logging or analysis…

Digitization is shifting toward the sensor in the era of Industry 4.0 process automation. Implementation of smart sensors that can be integrated anywhere in a complex network allows them to pass on the digital form of recorded physical quantities over the network, versus digitizing analog signals transmitted to a controller.

Use of digitalization offers new possibilities for optimizing manufacturing processes by leveraging data analytics through cloud-based systems. New communication methods for automation systems via standards-based open protocols such as MQTT is helping users fully integrate components regardless of manufacturer.